This paper explores how high school students can
engage in ethical and respectful allyship with Indigenous communities through
technology-related extracurricular projects. Focusing on a case study involving
a student-led initiative with the Yakama Nation, it introduces a framework of
six core principles—Exposure, Engagement, Empowerment, Teaching, Accessibility,
and Acknowledgement—that guided the project's development. The study highlights
how students can educate themselves on Indigenous histories, collaborate
meaningfully with community members, and design projects that support local
goals while avoiding paternalism. Through book donations, cross-cultural
dialogue, and long-term relationship-building, the project demonstrated how
youth can help bridge digital divides and contribute to inclusive education.
The findings suggest that with humility, commitment, and active listening,
young people can play a valuable role in supporting Indigenous
self-determination and promoting equity in technology initiatives.
